Lowering her hands, she slid them beneath his jacket and shoved it over his shoulders, down his arms until it fell to the floor. His cravat went next, followed by his waistcoat. He didn’t move, only aided her in the divesting of his clothing. She wondered if he was in shock from what had happened with his father or if he was uncertain regarding how she might welcome him.

When he was nude before her, she unbuttoned her nightdress and shimmied out of it before taking his hand, climbing onto the bed, and urging him to follow.

Only one night had passed without their coming together, and already it had begun to feel an eternity. As his body covered hers, her moan was low, appreciative, grateful. The feel of him was everything.

His taking of her was slow and sensual, his kisses and touches alighting upon every inch of her skin as though he was memorizing every hollow, every ridge. As though he were well aware that this time would be the last, and he wanted it unrushed, wanted it emblazoned on his soul to carry with him as one might a well-worn miniature portrait. To be looked upon and savored.

And she returned the favor, touching all she could reach, pressing her mouth to his throat and shoulders, scraping her fingers over his back, skimming her soles along his calves.

When he plunged deeply, she was more than ready. Rising up, hovering over her, holding her gaze, he moved languorously in and out, as though they had the entire night, as though he didn’t need to sneak out before the servants were up and moving about.

So much needed to be said. So much needed to be held in.

Lifting herself up, she licked at the hollow of his throat where dew gathered, took satisfaction in his low growl. Lowering herself, she wrapped her arms and legs around him, tightening her hold, pumping her hips in rhythm with his, as sensations built and everything within her cried out for him.

She thought she could contain the fire forming inside her, but when it broke free and engulfed her, he blanketed her mouth with his, capturing her scream as she absorbed his groan, their bodies stiffening and jerking in tandem as pleasure conquered them both.

Replete and exhausted, he lay on his back with Selena nestled against his side, her finger drawing lazy circles on his chest. He shouldn’t have come, but he’d been unable to stay away.

He’d needed her as the earth needed the sun and the night sky needed the stars.

He remembered a time when sharing a pint with Finn would have been enough, would have put him in the right frame of mind to carry on, but tonight he’d required more. He’d required her.